What is the first action when you have your baby at the warmer?

• A. Suction the airway first
• B. Cry, dry, wrap
• C. Warm, dry, stimulate
• D. Assess vitals and weight

Answer: (C)

The first action is to warm, dry, and stimulate the newborn. Keeping the baby warm minimizes heat loss and cold stress, drying removes moisture that would drain body heat, and gentle stimulation encourages the infant to start breathing on their own. This sequence supports the baby's transition from fetal to neonatal life by promoting respiration while preventing hypothermia.

Suctioning the airway first isn’t routine unless there are obvious airway obstructions or secretions blocking air flow, so delaying warmth and stimulation for suction can hinder the baby’s ability to breathe. “Cry” isn’t something you perform as an action; it’s a sign of breathing effort you’re hoping to see after you stimulate. Assessing vitals and weight are important but aren’t the initial steps at the warmer; warmth, dryness, and stimulation come first to establish breathing and temperature stability.